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If you have an LCL tear, then it may take a good deal of time for the injury to heal. This is common when it comes to knee injuries and you likely will need to go through some physical therapy. The type of therapy will encourage the stretching and the strengthening of the LCL to reduce future injuries. When you go through the therapy, you may be asked to use certain products to ensure that your knee is properly supported. Keep reading to learn about a few of these.

Sleeves For Compression 

If you have heard of compression stockings or socks, then you probably know that the garments are used to reduce swelling. When it comes to the knee, the same type of compression can keep fluid from building up and it can also reduce general inflammation issues. This can encourage good blood flow to the area so the LCL can heal. Also, it reduces fluid and tissue pressure that can cause substantial pain when an LCL is damaged.

Compression sleeves fit above the knee and extend down to the mid-calf or ankle. The products come in different levels of compression from low to high. High compression is ideal for more serious injuries and these sleeves are made from synthetic polyester blends. The low to medium compression products are made from cotton or bamboo fabric materials. 

Since compression sleeves are meant to fit tight, you may have some difficulty getting them on at first. Speak with your physical therapist or your physician for tips on slipping the sleeves on your legs. Also, since sweat can build underneath the sleeves, invest in ones labeled as breathable. Non-slip options will elastic bands on the tops and bottom are a good choice too.

Knee Braces

More severe LCL injuries require a great deal of knee support along with compression. This may be true of something like a complete tear and you will need to wear a brace in this situation. The best type of brace for LCL injuries are ones that support the outer part of the knee, where the LCL is located. However, the product also should keep pressure away from this region to minimize discomfort and inflammation issues.

There are a few different types of braces you can purchase. The type will depend on your specific injury, so speak with your physician about this. Wraparound braces work well for moderate to severe LCL injuries. They offer good support and comfort with velcro-style closures. These braces are relatively inexpensive as well.

If you have a severe tear, then a hinged brace might be a better option. The braces feature hard metal or plastic hinges on either side of the knee. 

If you want to know more about LCL injuries and supportive products, speak with a physical therapist or physician, such as at Hands-On Physical Therapy .